Main Types of Schneider Electric Frequency Inverters

Overview of Schneider Electric Frequency Inverters

When a commissioning engineer walks into a panel shop with a motor starter spec and a tight schedule, the first decision is rarely the drive brand. It is the drive series. Schneider Electric Frequency Inverters, branded under the Altivar family, span a wide application range from basic conveyor control to demanding pump and compressor processes.

Getting this selection wrong costs more than a purchase order. A drive undersized for harmonic sensitivity on a long cable run, or one missing the communication protocol required by the site SCADA, can delay commissioning by days. Understanding the distinctions between Altivar series before procurement begins is the kind of preparation that separates a smooth startup from an avoidable problem.

The drive that fits your panel budget may not fit your process demands. Know the difference before you order.

Altivar 12 Series: Entry-Level Simplicity

What It Is

The ATV12 is Schneider's compact, fixed-function VFD for single-phase and three-phase motor applications from 0.18 kW to 3 kW. It is a machine-builder favorite for small conveyor drives, packaging equipment, and light-duty fan or pump control where fieldbus communication and advanced vector control are not required.

Setup is largely preset-based. There is no deep parameter tree. Technicians commission it with simple jumper and DIP settings in under twenty minutes. For OEM applications where hundreds of units ship with identical configurations, this simplicity is exactly what is needed.

Where It Falls Short

The ATV12 does not support closed-loop control, and its braking capacity is limited. If the application requires dynamic speed regulation with encoder feedback, or if the load has significant regenerative energy, the ATV12 is the wrong tool. Its communication options are limited, making it unsuitable for direct integration into EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP-based control architectures without additional hardware.

Altivar 320 Series: Mid-Range Flexibility

Core Capabilities

The ATV320 covers the 0.18 kW to 15 kW range and is designed for machine-level automation where embedded communication and safety functions add real value. Unlike the ATV12, the ATV320 has built-in STO (Safe Torque Off) certified to SIL 2 and PLe, which matters on any machine where safety relay integration must satisfy EN ISO 13849 requirements.

Communication is a significant step up. The ATV320 supports CANopen, Modbus RTU, and optional fieldbus cards for EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and DeviceNet. This range covers the majority of PLC ecosystems you will encounter on machine installations.

Application Fit

Packaging lines, textile machines, and multi-axis conveyors are typical homes for the ATV320. Where you have a Schneider PLC with EcoStruxure Machine Expert handling logic, the ATV320 integrates cleanly with minimal configuration overhead.

Altivar 340 Series: Advanced Performance

What Sets It Apart

The ATV340 moves into the 0.37 kW to 75 kW range and introduces multi-motor control, dynamic vector control without encoder, and advanced motor tuning routines. For applications with irregular load profiles, high starting torques, or frequent acceleration cycles, the ATV340 provides the precision that the ATV320 cannot.

The standout feature is sensorless vector control with high accuracy across a wide speed range. Winding machines, extruders, and centrifuges where torque consistency matters benefit directly. The ATV340 also supports encoder feedback for closed-loop applications when the process demands it.

Panel Integration Notes

The ATV340 is physically larger and requires more attention to thermal management. Drives in this range generate meaningful heat at continuous full load, so panel airflow calculations and derating schedules matter. Engineers who skip the thermal assessment and mount the ATV340 in a sealed enclosure without accounting for power dissipation will see nuisance trips inside six months.

Altivar Process Drives (ATV630 / ATV930): Process Industry Workhorse

Design Intent

The ATV630 and ATV930 are built for process industries: water treatment, oil and gas, HVAC, and mining. Power ranges extend from 0.75 kW up to hundreds of kW for the ATV930. These are system components designed to operate continuously under demanding conditions with full integration into process control architectures.

The ATV630 covers standard process applications, while the ATV930 adds cabinet-mounted architecture, built-in EMC filters, and active front-end options for demanding grid environments. Both support EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, and DeviceNet, covering virtually every process SCADA or DCS platform in current use.

Process-Specific Functions

Built-in PID control, dry-run protection for pumps, pipe-fill functions for water systems, and multi-pump management via internal logic are part of standard firmware. For many water utilities, an ATV630 can handle pump PID loops without an external PLC.

Altivar Series Comparison Table

Use this table to cross-reference key specifications before finalizing a drive selection or procurement request.

Field Scenario: Selecting the Right Drive Under Pressure

A maintenance engineer at a food processing facility needs a same-day replacement for a failed drive on a 7.5 kW screw conveyor. The ATV320 at 7.5 kW is a direct technical fit: same power range, Modbus RTU support, and compatible STO wiring for the existing safety relay circuit on the panel. Sourcing from an authorized distributor with confirmed stock avoided a multi-day outage.

Sourcing, Verification, and Lead Time Considerations

Authorized Distribution Matters

Schneider Electric drives can be counterfeited. Purchasing from non-authorized channels introduces the risk of units that fail under load within weeks. Confirm distributor authorization through Schneider's partner locator before placing orders for safety-critical applications.

Lead Times and Stocking Strategy

Standard Altivar drives in common power ranges are typically available with short lead times. Higher-power ATV930 configurations, cabinet-built units, and drives with non-standard fieldbus cards can carry lead times of several weeks to months. For plants with multiple VFD-driven processes, stocking common configurations as critical spares reduces downtime exposure.

Datasheet Cross-Reference Before Procurement

Cross-reference the full part number, not just the series and power rating. Variants differ in input voltage configuration (single-phase vs three-phase), enclosure rating (IP20 vs IP21 vs IP55), and integrated braking resistor provisions. Ordering the wrong variant of the right series is a common procurement error.

Working With Techno Control Corp on Schneider Drive Sourcing

If you are in the middle of a panel build, a retrofit project, or an emergency replacement, Techno Control Corp works directly with Schneider-authorized channels to verify availability, confirm part number accuracy, and support procurement decisions.

Contact our team at technocontrolcorp.com to discuss Schneider drive requirements or request a cross-reference for your current BOM.